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Council approves FGMA contract, $596,000 transfer to study Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center
Summary
The council authorized a contract with design firm FGMA and a $596,000 budgetary transfer from the parks fund reserve to study replacement or renovation options for the Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center; councilors emphasized public engagement and debated up-front financial analysis for a project estimated at $20M20—0$30M.
The Chesterfield City Council authorized a professional-services contract with FGMA and approved a budgetary transfer of $596,000 from the parks fund reserve to support planning for the Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center. The parks committee had voted to forward the recommendation, and council approved the contract by roll call vote, 8-0.
Parks Committee chairperson Mastroakis summarized the scope: FGMA will develop multiple concepts, gather public feedback, provide cost estimates and analyze financing options; the work will include options ranging from removing the existing pool to replacement.
Council member Tocco and others pressed for stronger early-stage financial clarity. "This is a very important service for the residents," Tocco said. "It's the highest priority and most expensive project estimated at $20,000,000, maybe more. I don't know what the fund balance is going to be at the end of the year after this expenditure."
At the meeting another council member summarized the firm's role and public engagement plan, and a council member said the project could be "a $20,000,000 plus project right now" and that FGMA would also investigate financing and gauge public support through outreach.
Parks director Wayne Dunker and FGMA representatives attended the meeting to answer questions. Committee members said they vetted FGMA's references and credentials during a lengthy committee session before forwarding the matter to full council.
The motion authorized contracting with FGMA and the $596,000 budget transfer from the parks fund reserve. The council recorded the contract approval by roll call; the tally was 8 in favor, 0 opposed.
Why this matters: The FGMA contract funds a planning and community-engagement phase for a major parks facility. Council members asked that the financial analysis be emphasized early in the planning process to avoid committing to concepts that exceed the city's ability or willingness to finance.
What happens next: FGMA will complete public outreach, develop design concepts and present financing options and cost estimates; any recommended construction or bond measures would require separate council approvals.
Sources and attribution: Quotes and figures drawn from the council meeting transcript, including statements by parks committee chairperson Mastroakis and Council member Tocco.
